Question

Which of the following are reasons why DNA is a more stable store of genetic information than RNA? (select all that apply and explain the answer for each choice).

1. This is a trick question; RNA is more stable than DNA

2. DNA uses thymine instead of uracil as a nitrogenous base

3. DNA engages in base pairing while RNA does not

4. Double stranded structure of DNA shields nitrogenous bases from damage by radiation

5.Double stranded DNA offers a complementary (backup) strand to help direct correction of any mutation suffered by a particular base(true but why?)

6.Unlike RNA, DNA lacks a hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon in the ribose ring (true but why?)

Answer 1

5.Double stranded DNA offers a complementary (backup) strand to help direct correction of any mutation suffered by a particular base.

There are two strands of DNA that are complementary to each other.This means if there is a mutation in one strand then with the help of other strand this mutation can be corrected.

6.Unlike RNA, DNA lacks a hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon in the ribose ring

C-H groups are significantly less reactive than C-OH (hydroxyl) groups. This difference also explains why RNAis not very stable in alkaline conditions, and DNA is.

This hydroxyl group make RNA less stable than DNA because it is more susceptible to hydrolysis.